Abstract: A piece picking system includes at least one main conveyor unit and a plurality of sorting modules. The at least one main conveyor unit and the plurality of sorting modules are arranged crosswise in a matrix, and the at least one main conveyor unit is located above or below the plurality of sorting modules. A plurality of picking stations are arranged at a side of each main conveyor unit, and are adjacent to each of the sorting modules. The main conveyor unit is configured to convey a first container carrying an item to be picked. The picking station is configured to pick the item in a required quantity from the first container conveyed by the main conveyor unit according to an order requirement. The sorting module is configured to sort the item picked by the adjacent picking station. The system aggregates the sorting capabilities of the plurality of sorting modules.

Abstract: A parcel processing system (400) includes infeed conveyors (404, 406, 408) each conveying parcels (106) with an assigned orientation class, a merging conveyor (410) configured to merge parcels fed by the infeed conveyors into a single stream of parcels, and an induction conveyor (200) configured to feed the merged stream of parcels along an induction feed path (202) to a sorting conveyor (100). The infeed paths (404a, 406a) of the infeed conveyors are arranged at different angular orientations in relation to a merging feed path (412) of the merging conveyor such that each parcel in the merged stream of parcels has an orientation that is dependent upon its assigned orientation class.

Abstract: A transport device for conveying products (12), in particular packaged and/or non-packaged food, comprises at least one transport unit (14) which comprises at least one endless transport element (16), in particular an endless conveyor belt, which has a product support surface (18) for receiving products (12) to be conveyed, the transport device further comprising at least one guide unit (20) for guiding the transport element (16) and which has at least one, in particular movably supported, guide element (22), in particular a guide roller, and comprising at least one bearing unit (24) for pivotable or tiltable support of the guide unit (20) together with the transport unit (14) relative to a frame unit (26) of a production installation, in particular around a movement axis (30) of the guide unit (20), running at least essentially parallel to the product support surface (18), wherein the guide unit (20) has at least one further guide element (32) for guiding, in particular deflecting, an endless further transpo

Abstract: A conveyor belt system having a belt in contact with an array of actuators that are functional to move the belt in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the belt. The belt actuators can be functional to move individually to form a desired topography of the belt. The conveyor belt system can, thereby, move a workpiece in three dimensions for improved manufacturing and/or warehousing.

Abstract: Apparatuses for imaging food products are provided. An apparatus includes a first and second conveyor, the first conveyor configured to move a flexible food product at a first speed, the second conveyor configured to move the flexible food product at a second speed greater than the first speed, a receiving portion of the second conveyor positioned in a downward direction relative to the first conveyor to receive the flexible food product, thereby flipping the flexible food product and stretching the flexible food product for imaging. An apparatus may include a guide mechanism to guide the food product to be flipped. An apparatus may move a plurality of food products and spread apart the plurality of food products for imaging. An apparatus may include a receiving structure having a low-friction receiving surface for stretching or spreading apart food products.

Abstract: A conveyance method of conveying a conveyance target object by loading the conveyance target object on a slider, wherein the slider is connected to a ball nut threadably engaged with a ball screw shaft, includes a step of rotating the ball screw shaft by an electric motor, a step of applying a braking force which is a rotation resistance to the ball screw shaft by a non-electric resistance changing unit, and a step of setting at least one of a driving force of the electric motor and the braking force of the resistance changing unit so that the slider will stop when a predetermined external force acts on the slider during conveyance and changes the slider to an overload state regardless of the presence/absence of the conveyance target object loaded on the slider and a weight of the conveyance target object.

Abstract: A method includes selecting a cutting wheel assembly of a plurality of cutting wheel assemblies of a cutting system. Each cutting wheel assembly includes a different number of cutting blades. The method includes using a feed system to feed tubing toward the cutting system. The method also includes using the cutting system to cut the tubing concurrently at a plurality of locations to separate one or more subsections of tubing. The plurality of locations corresponds to a particular number of cutting blades of the selected cutting wheel assembly.

Abstract: A cargo management system is provided comprising a slide bushing supported cargo shuttle, an actuator coupled to a bushing slide plate; an aft shuttle drive belt coupled to the slide bushing supported cargo shuttle; and a forward shuttle drive belt coupled to the slide bushing supported cargo shuttle. Also disclosed is a slide bushing supported cargo shuttle comprising a housing, a bushing slide plate extendable from the housing via an actuator and a top surface of the bushing supported cargo shuttle and a power drive unit coupled to the top surface.

Abstract: A gripping element for a transfer arrangement of an accumulator table, including a pair of opposing transfer devices for engaging a product at a gripping location on an infeed conveyor for the transfer devices and for releasing the product, the transfer devices having a driven, endless carrier including gripping elements, driven such that when the drive system is activated the gripping elements are moved by the endless carrier along an endless trajectory, the transfer devices configured for simultaneously moving all gripping elements, and the product engaged thereby, in a transfer direction along a transfer trajectory from the gripping location to a release location, includes a flexible fin for engaging the product, during use substantially extending in a plane aligned with the transfer direction, the fin having such a shape that, when at that gripping location, the transfer direction is substantially parallel to a product support surface of the infeed conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conveying articles, in particular product slices produced by simultaneous slicing of a plurality of food products or respective portions including a plurality of product slices, wherein the articles are conveyed in a conveying direction on a main conveying path in multitracks in desired arrangements formed by articles from different tracks, in particular in rows extending transverse to the conveying direction, incomplete arrangements of articles having at least one deficient point are expelled onto a secondary conveying path and desired arrangements are formed from the articles forming the incomplete arrangements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a singulator, constituted by a converger module (2), a diverger module (10) and a selector module (17) arranged sequentially. The loose articles (5) in inlet to the converger module (2) are converged towards a first central zone (7) by two adjacent roller planes. The articles resting on the central zone (7) are advanced towards a central zone (13) of a diverger module (10) and are then transported towards the outlet station (12) thereof; conversely, the articles arranged laterally with respect to the central zone (13) of the diverger module (10) are laterally distanced by means of two corresponding roller planes having rollers with inclined axes up to striking on two respective lateral walls (42, 43) suitable for moving the articles received restingly towards the outlet station (12).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing food products is provided. The product conditioning system includes an inlet assembly, a pressurizeable tunnel and an outlet assembly. The inlet assembly and outlet assembly include a pair of vertically extending pressure vessels having entry and exit openings which are both sealable by doors to provide liquid and gaseous tight seals. The inlet and outlet assembly pressure vessels further include a pair of vertically extending parallel screws for transporting food products from one end of the pressure vessel to the other. The pressurizeable tunnel includes a heating stage having microwave sources for irradiating food products so as to pasteurize or sterilize prepackaged food. The pressurizeable tunnel further includes a heat maintenance stage and product cooling stage. Both the heat maintenance stage and product cooling stage include vertically extending pressure vessels.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for transporting a paper or film discrete object in a machine direction. A top engaging portion contacts a first side of the object and a bottom engaging portion contacts a second side of the object opposite the first side and respectively cooperates with the top engaging portion to grip and move the object in the machine direction. At least one of the top engaging portion or the bottom engaging portion includes a plurality of deflectable elements for engaging the object.

Abstract: A method of reversing direction of an article, or of speeding up or slowing down an article is disclosed by engaging an article with a first belt to move the article in a first direction; disengaging the article from the first belt; and then engaging the article with a second belt to move the article at a different speed. An apparatus to change speed of an article is also disclosed by a first belt rotating in a first direction; a second belt rotating in the direction at a second speed; the first belt engaging an article at a first time while the second belt is disengaged with the article, the first belt disengaging the article at a second time, and the second belt engaging the article at a third time while the first belt is disengaged with the article.

Abstract: There is provided a tablet filling device, which can smoothly supply vials without any stop of the device even if the vials cause a jam within a stocker. The tablet filling device is related to removing a vial 9 from a stocker 21 accommodating a large number of vials 9 according to a prescription data, dispensing tablets into the vial 9 to fill the vial, and discharging the vial 9 filled with the tablets. The stocker 21 includes: a vial removing device 24 configured to scoop the vial 9 accommodated in the stocker 21 upward to remove the vial; and a vial conveying device 23 configured to convey the vial 9 toward the vial removing device 24. When a jam of the vial 9 occurs, the vial conveying device 23 is reversely driven.

Abstract: The present device is a collator and an infeed conveyor wherein the collator receives product from the infeed conveyor at an infeed point of the infeed conveyor. The product includes a flat side and an edge side and the collator and infeed conveyor are adapted to select between delivery of the product to the collator at an on flat load position and delivery of the product to the collator at an on edge load position. Preferably the collator includes an adjustment mechanism for urging the collator between a left position and a right position and the conveyor includes an height adjustment mechanism for urging the conveyor between a raised position and a lowered position.

Abstract: A load moving apparatus is operable to move a load, such as a stack of sheet product, in a first and second direction on a staging area. The load moving apparatus includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a translating device. The first conveyor defines the staging area and is configured to move a load in a first direction. The second conveyor is positioned within the staging area and is configured to move the load in a second direction different from the first direction. The translating device is configured to move vertically one of the first conveyor and the second conveyor relative to the other of the first conveyor and the second conveyor. The load moving apparatus can be used to build or break down loads entering the staging area.

Abstract: A matrix conveying system for intended use in sorting articles and related methods of conveying and sorting articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the matrix system comprises a plurality of first endless belt or chain conveyors extending in a first direction and a plurality of second conveyors extending in a second direction, each intersecting the plurality of first conveyors. The system may be used to sort articles delivered from one or more storage locations for distribution, or may instead be used to sort articles for delivery to one or more storage locations.

Abstract: A conveyor system aligner, method of aligning and continuous aligning belt includes providing a belt support assembly having a generally vertical support surface and a channel defined in the support surface. A belt drive propels the aligning belt along the support surface and items, such as cartons, are conveyed past the aligning belt. A continuous aligning belt is provided that has a contact portion and a guide member. The contact portion has a contact surface and a glide surface. The glide surface is configured to travel along the support surface. The guide member is adapted to be captured by the channel and travels in the channel to support the aligning belt.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus is capable of changing the forward motion direction (V1) of sheet articles (10) by means of a first rotating diverting member (4) situated above a lower active run (2h) of a second conveyor (2). The second conveyor is disposed at an angle (H1) with respect to the first conveyor (1) and the first rotating diverting member (4) is shaped like a cam with an active portion (4h) for moving the sheet article to the second conveyor without changing orientation of the sheet article. A third conveyor (3) can be added, at an angle (H2) with respect to the second conveyor, with a second rotating diverting member (5) for moving the sheet articles from the second conveyor to the third conveyor (3) without changing orientation of the sheet articles.

Abstract: A food item is cooked in a cooking device and transferred to a heated holding table by two exit conveyors. The food item then falls onto one of two transfer conveyors that move perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the exit conveyors. The food items travel on the transfer conveyors and then fall onto a main conveyor. The main conveyor moves in a direction that is parallel to the direction of movement of the exit conveyors. If the food item has not been manually removed from the main conveyor after a predetermined amount of time, the food item falls off the main conveyor and into a drawer waste chute for disposal.

Abstract: A method of reversing direction of an article is disclosed by engaging an article with a first belt to move the article in a first direction; disengaging the article from the first belt; and then engaging the article with a second belt to move the article in a second direction. An apparatus to reverse direction of an article is also disclosed by a first belt rotating in a first direction; a second belt rotating in a second direction; the first belt engaging an article at a first time while the second belt is disengaged with the article, the first belt disengaging the article at a second time, and the second belt engaging the article at a third time while the first belt is disengaged with the article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer mechanism (12) for separating conveyed objects (4) out to the side from a first conveyor system (1) onto another conveyor system (14), with a pushing unit and two parallel flexible drives (15a, b) at a distance apart extending at an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first conveyor system (1), each of which has an endless traction means (23) which can be driven, and the pushing unit has oppositely lying drivers secured to the traction means (23) and a profiled pushing element (29) which is able to slide out of an initial position at the side, adjacent to a conveyor path (6), into an operating position in the conveyor path (6).

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for transporting a paper or film discrete object in a machine direction. A top engaging portion contacts a first side of the object and a bottom engaging portion contacts a second side of the object opposite the first side and respectively cooperates with the top engaging portion to grip and move the object in the machine direction. At least one of the top engaging portion or the bottom engaging portion includes a plurality of deflectable elements for engaging the object.

Abstract: A work module for connection to a main conveyor line in a conveyor system, in which the work module comprises a first transverse conveyor line, a longitudinal conveyor line and a second transverse conveyor line. The first transverse conveyor line is arranged to transport goods delivered from the main conveyor line to a longitudinal conveyor line in the module. The second transverse conveyor line is arranged to transport goods delivered from the longitudinal conveyor line to the main conveyor line. Further, each of the first transverse, longitudinal and second transverse conveyor lines in the work module comprises an outer conveyor line and an inner conveyor line.

Abstract: The present invention is a mounting system for vertical conveyor belts. The combination of rider positioned on the inward side of the vertical conveyor belt and a guide positioned outward of the outer surface of the conveyor frame secures the vertical conveyor belt about the diverter assemblage.

Abstract: A device (4) used to transfer loads between at least two upstream (1) and downstream (2) load conveyors which are intended to convey loads (3) between different work stations. The device includes: an intermediate conveyor (5), part of each of the ends (5?, 5?) thereof extending alongside the upstream (1) and downstream (2) conveyors; and a lateral holding element (6) for maintaining the loads (3) in the cantilevered position thereof as they are being transferred between the upstream conveyor (1) and the downstream conveyor (2). The device is especially suitable for use in conveying loads using push plate conveyors, particularly in systems including a conveyor change.

Abstract: A flat belt support system with a drive roller and paired pulleys, each pair carrying a continuous flat belt that can be moved laterally along the drive roller axis and angled away from the plane normal to the drive roller axis. Multiple belts, each carried by a pair of pulleys, can be driven by a single drive roller. An additional roller allows the drive roller to be positioned so that it contacts the flat belt cover, rather than the back of the flat belt, improving friction between the drive roller and the flat belt.

Abstract: A new and improved mail sorting system, which is able to dramatically increase the throughput sorting volume of mail pieces or articles, comprises the incorporation of a plurality of cross-circulation path (CCP) conveyors within a conventional looped or folded conveyor belt system whereby, in effect, mail pieces or articles can be effectively removed from primary conveyor flow path sections so as to create gaps or spaces upon the primary conveyor flow path sections into which additional mail pieces or articles can be introduced through means of a second input or infeed port. In addition, a plurality of the new and improved mail sorting systems can be integrated together into a multi-system mail sorting system wherein off-shoot or auxiliary outfeed conveyor belt sections can feed pieces or articles of mail from any particular one of the mail sorting systems to the second input or infeed ports of the other mail sorting systems so as to render the overall system still more efficient.

Abstract: A distributor apparatus for products having an infeed belt and an outfeed belt which are aligned with each other in a conveying direction. A distributor belt is arranged in the conveying direction between the infeed belt and the outfeed belt and this conveyor belt is movable transversely with respect to the conveying direction. The distributor belt includes at least two belt parts which are transversely positioned with respect to each other and movable transversely in unison with each other as a unit. Two independent operable dives mechanically drive the parts of the distributor belt so that products may be outfeed from the infeed belt and to the outfeed belt in transversely arranged groups of product. By controlling the operation of the belt parts of the distributor belt, the number of transverse groups of product on the outfeed belt may be varied.

Abstract: A roller conveyor includes a plurality of idler rollers positioned along and between opposite sidewalls and a transverse drive system operable to rotatably drive at least some of the idler rollers of the roller conveyer. The transverse drive system includes a motorized roller positioned generally transverse to the idler rollers and a plurality of drive members drivably connected between the motorized roller and respective ones of the idler rollers. Actuation of the motorized roller drives each of the drive members, which in turn independently rotatably drive the respective idler rollers. The transverse drive system may be selectively operable to accumulate articles on one or more zones of the roller conveyor. The roller conveyor may include a right angle transfer unit operable to transfer articles in a direction generally normal to the direction of conveyance of the idler rollers.

Abstract: A product transfer system preferably includes a first conveyor for conveying a series of product in a first direction. This system also includes a cross conveyor vertically spaced from the first conveyor and oriented in a second direction angled at an angle ? with respect to the first direction. A plurality of rotatable transporters are mounted on the cross conveyor for transferring the product from the first conveyor to the cross conveyor. The transporters are initially oriented perpendicular to the first direction before receiving the products and are rotatable to the second direction after receiving the products.

Abstract: A device and system for registering or justifying product such as mail pieces in a vertical position for future processing of such mail pieces. The system includes a mounting block having an angled bore and a driven alignment mechanism mounted within the angled bore. The driven alignment mechanism includes a shaft assembly mounted in the angled bore such that the shaft assembly is at approximately a same angle as the angled bore. At least one surface is mounted to the shaft assembly which, when contacting a product, is driven and provides a downward correction vector to the product for vertically aligning the product.

Abstract: A conveyor for conveying products (2), comprising a conveyor belt (1) and a moving endless guiding element (12) which includes a straight portion (4) extending between two guide wheels (5, 6), which straight portion (4) is capable of guiding products (2) that are present on the conveyor belt in lateral direction towards and over the edge of the conveyor belt, wherein the distance between the two guide wheels is adjustable.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for discharging and transferring load carriers to connection conveyors (2), running transversely to a conveying path (1), by means of transporting belts (2a, b and c) which circulate parallel to one another, and transversely to the conveying path, and form a horizontal rest for the load carriers (3).

Abstract: A lumber processor includes slowdown conveyor to transition lumber pieces from one processing device to a subsequent processing device where the movement of lumber pieces changes from lineal to lateral motion; a printer station includes a printer boom which includes a lateral translation device to move a symbol printer over the path of travel of the conveyor to allow the printer to mark pieces of lumber that are passing beneath the printer station.

Abstract: A drop pocket system and method reorients flat articles in a serial stream, by horizontally receiving a horizontally moving, serial input stream of substantially vertically oriented flat articles, sensing reception of each flat article, engaging each sensed flat article, accelerating each engaged flat article into substantially downward movement, and conveying each flat article with the downward movement into a substantially horizontal orientation and movement.

Abstract: A sheet processing system comprises a high speed printer operative to print sheets fed through the printer longer edge first, and a downstream processor for performing a subsequent operation using the printed sheet fed shorter edge first. A sheet feeder for feeding the sheet to the downstream processor with its shorter edge first, comprises a sheet feed conveyor extending to said downstream processor, and input feed means for feeding the sheet from the printer laterally onto the sheet conveyor so that the longer edges of the sheet extend in a longitudinal direction of the sheet feed conveyor. Guide surfaces ensure alignment of the longer edges of the sheet in the longitudinal direction of the sheet feed conveyor during feeding to the downstream processor.

Abstract: A drop pocket system and method reorients flat articles in a serial stream, by horizontally receiving a horizontally moving, serial input stream of substantially vertically oriented flat articles, sensing reception of each flat article, engaging each sensed flat article, accelerating each engaged flat article into substantially downward movement, and conveying each flat article with the downward movement into a substantially horizontal orientation and movement.

Abstract: A captured belt path selection device includes a first fixed frame including a plurality of fixed, vertically oriented belts mounted thereon and a second moveable frame including a plurality of vertically oriented movable selector belts and guide rollers mounted thereon, the moveable frame being positioned adjacent to and over the fixed frame, the moveable selector belts and guide rollers being vertically offset from the fixed belts so that the moveable belts and guide rollers pass above and below at least a portion of a fixed belt as the second frame is moved from a first position to a second position. At least a first one of the moveable belts and a fixed belt transport media therebetween along a first path when the moveable, frame is in a first position and at least a second one of the moveable belts and a fixed belt transport media therebetween along a second path when the moveable frame is in a second position.

Abstract: An article separation conveyor system includes a plurality of conveyors which are independently and/or collectively operable to destack, separate and/or align articles being conveyed along the article separation conveyor. The conveyor system includes a destacking conveyor, a side by side eliminating conveyor and/or an aligning conveyor. The destacking conveyor includes a plurality of conveying portions, which are inclined to convey articles up and then drop or guide them onto the next adjacent conveyor. The side-by-side eliminating conveyor includes a pair of diverting members and is operable to redirect articles from one side of the conveyor to the other to destack and separate articles as they are continuously conveyed along the conveyor. The aligning conveyor is operable to align articles along one side of the discharge conveyor so the articles are arranged for identification at a downstream scanning device and induction onto a sortation system.

Abstract: In order to convey articles in a conveying device incorporated, for example, within an automatic packaging plant, a first conveyor and a second conveyor are used, the first one being arranged upstream of the second one in the direction of feeding of the articles conveyed. The conveyors have respective conveying directions forming between them an angle equal, for example, to 90°. The articles are received on the second conveyor in a positive and unconfined conveying condition.

Abstract: A captured belt path selection device includes a first fixed frame including a plurality of fixed, vertically oriented belts mounted thereon and a second moveable frame including a plurality of vertically oriented movable selector belts and guide rollers mounted thereon, the moveable frame being positioned adjacent to and over the fixed frame, the moveable selector belts and guide rollers being vertically offset from the fixed belts so that the moveable belts and guide rollers pass above and below at least a portion of a fixed belt as the second frame is moved from a first position to a second position. At least a first one of the moveable belts and a fixed belt transport media therebetween along a first path when the moveable frame is in a first position and at least a second one of the moveable belts and a fixed belt transport media therebetween along a second path when the moveable frame is in a second position.

Abstract: A conveyor mechanism for transferring an article from a primary conveyor to a secondary conveyor that extends in a direction normal to the direction of the primary conveyor. The secondary conveyor has a receiving location at which it receives articles from the first conveyor. The second conveyor has a flat support surface over which a perforated continuous conveyor belt extends. A vacuum plenum is inlayed into the flat support surface and has openings in its upper plate that are located at the receiving location. A vacuum source is connected to the vacuum plenum for creating a vacuum in the vacuum plenum that pulls air through the perforated continuous conveyor belt which causes objects that are deposited on the secondary conveyor at the receiving location to be pulled to and held against the upper surface of the perforated continuous conveyor belt.

Abstract: A layboy machine for conveying and selectively varying the lateral spacing between sheets such as sheets of corrugated board. The machine is provided with controlled tugs which automatically, precisely and quickly reposition the conveyors in the machine for different sizes of outputs from a cutter in a corrugator line and different numbers of sheets in each output.

Abstract: A product diverting mechanism used in a packaging system, which is effective to increase the speed at which the products are successively diverted, includes a force applicator 20 for applying a force, containing a force component acting in a horizontal direction, to the products M transported from a preceding station, in a direction transverse to a direction of transport of the products, a suppressor 10 disposed above a transport means 30 for suppressing an upward shift of the products M which occurs when the force applicator 29 applies the force to the products M, and an elevator 15 for moving the suppressor 10 up and down. The suppressor 10 is lowered during an operation to divert the products M so as to contact an upper surface of the products M.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lumber positioning or feeding systems to be used in saw mills, planing mills and the like in order to laterally displace lumber as it is being simultaneously advanced in the forward direction. In particular, the present invention is concerned with a lumber positioner apparatus for advancing lumber, which positioner comprises a vertically displaceable angling mechanism which may be selectively activated to cause lumber to be simultaneously displaced in a lateral direction, resulting in a vectorized movement of the lumber in order that the position of the lumber may be quickly and accurately controlled for further processing, such as cutting or trimming.

Abstract: A conveyor drop turn system for reorienting product through redirection of product flow at a substantially perpendicular angle includes a first product supply conveyor that, with the assistance of a vacuum control system, delivers product to a second conveyor that is substantially perpendicular to the first product supply conveyor. In accordance with an aspect of the drop turn system, a third spreader conveyor is interposed between the first product supply conveyor and the second conveyor that can be adjusted to cause product to separate in a conveyance direction defined by the second conveyor. More specifically, the third spreader conveyor includes a plurality of endless belts that can be terminated to a variety of positions on a pair of cylindrical pulleys. Through an appropriate arrangement of the belts on the pulleys, product flow can be delivered directly or an offset can be introduced by angling the belts between the pulleys.